Saudi Arabia is observing its second Founding Day with festivities throughout the nation and a four-day break.
In 2020, Founding Day was declared a public holiday in Saudi Arabia following a royal decree by King Salman, to recognise the occasion.
The country observes Founding Day to honour its origin in 1727, initiated by Imam Mohammed Bin Saud, and to recognise the extensive historical legacy of Saudi Arabia.
Founding Day: Saudi Arabia public holiday
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designates February 22 as its Founding Day, which corresponds to Shaban 2, 1444 Hijri.
Public sector workers will receive a two-day holiday this year, with February 22 and 23 both declared as public holidays. Since Friday and Saturday are the official weekend in the Kingdom, this implies that employees will have a four-day break.
February 22 is a public holiday for private sector employees as well. However, individual organisations have the option to observe February 23 as a holiday too, matching the public sector.
According to the state news agency SPA, numerous cultural, artistic, and popular events are scheduled to take place in the Kingdom’s cities. These events will exhibit creativity, love, and loyalty, reflecting the depth of the country’s history. They will also represent the diverse circumstances of the state, where it persevered through difficulties and maintained its indigenous Arab identity from the first and second Saudi states until the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
